Pearse Keane

Keane specializes in applied clinical imaging research, with a particular interest in OCT. Prior to his appointment at Moorfields, he carried out OCT research with the original inventors of the technology at the Doheny Eye Institute, US. His work focuses on late stage development, clinical testing and translation of new imaging technologies into clinical practice, and the novel application of these devices for the generation and validation of anatomic biomarkers, for use in trials and in routine clinical practice.

In January 2015 he was awarded a “Clinician Scientist” award from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) – the first ophthalmologist in the UK to receive the award – and his remit is to explore the potential of new medical technologies and innovation in the treatment of visual impairment and blindness, with a particular focus on ophthalmic imaging. Keane predicts that increased miniaturization of OCT devices and their use to perform comprehensive, automated eye exams will transform ophthalmology.

A nominator said: “An outstanding young UK ophthalmologist, and an acknowledged international expert on OCT. Keane has published almost 90 papers on medical retina in high-ranking journals, the majority of which are specifically around OCT imaging and its analysis. He is in high demand for his opinion on OCT, is an invited speaker to major international conferences, and has over £1 million in grant income.”

Part of the Power List 2015

In 2014, we compiled a list of the Top 100 most influential people in ophthalmology – an endeavor that received a significant amount of attention and, it’s fair to say, caused more than a little controversy. For our 2015 Top 40 Under 40 list we’ve taken a different approach, asking: who are the young, up-and-coming individuals set to rise to the top of their field? That’s the question we posed to ourselves – and then to you – ahead of open nominations and a painstaking judging process. Our list this year almost halves the average age of the celebrated individuals, with many of them born in the same year as the iconic Sex Pistols cover – 1977. Though we admit that no list of this type can be definitive, it does clearly show that the future of ophthalmology is very bright indeed. And so, without further ado, we celebrate the movers and shakers aged 40 or under who show what can be achieved with determination, passion and inspiration.

Go to The Power List 2015